Certificate Program in Interior Design and Interior Architecture

Learn how to create exciting spaces that are functional, aesthetically pleasing and sustainable. The Certificate Program in Interior Design and Interior Architecture offers a comprehensive education that combines studio courses with the study of design theory and history.

It teaches you manual and digital drawing skills that allow you to communicate your ideas effectively. You learn from industry professionals who help you build a strong portfolio to start your career. The certificate also provides educational credits needed to qualify for the California Council of Interior Design Certification exam (IDEX) and the National Council for Interior Design Qualification certification exam (NCIDAQ).

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Prerequisites

A bachelor's degree (in any field) is required to register for the Certificate Program in Interior Design and Interior Architecture. If you do not have a bachelor's degree, you may still be eligible based on previous course work, work experience and portfolio review. Contact the department for more details.

If you possess a degree in interior design, architecture or industrial design, you may be granted advanced standing admission and exempt from some preliminary coursework. You must pay a separate registration fee if you qualify for advanced standing. Contact the department for complete details on advanced standing registration.

Curriculum Requirements

The curriculum comprises 21 required courses (57 semester units) and two to four electives (4 semester units) for a total of 61 semester units. Candidates must pay a nonrefundable certificate registration fee.

All courses must be taken for a letter grade. To receive the certificate, you must maintain an overall minimum 2.5 grade point average, with a grade of C or better in each course. A Certificate with Distinction will be awarded to those who complete the certificate with a GPA of 3.9 or higher. All coursework must be completed within five years of registering for the certificate.

How to Register

By registering, you declare your intention to complete the curriculum (domestic students only). To register online for the Certificate Program in Interior Design and Interior Architecture, complete these two steps:

Pay the nonrefundable registration fee through your shopping cart. Please allow 3–5 business days for the registration to appear in your student account

If you are an international student, you must apply to Evening Certificate Programs. Learn more.

Estimated Cost

Each course is priced individually, and you pay the course fee at the time of enrollment. The certificate has an estimated total cost of $23,500 (not including textbooks, course materials or registration fee). Course fees are subject to change.

Certificate and Award Request

Once you have completed the certificate coursework, notify UC Berkeley Extension that you have completed the curriculum and request your certificate. Send an email to extension-interiordesign@berkeley.edu or call (510) 664-7824. After your records have been reviewed, verified and approved, your certificate will be sent to you in the mail. The review of your records is usually completed within six to eight weeks after you request the certificate.

Special Instructions for International Students

There are no admission requirements for international students who wish to complete a course or certificate online. You may register for any online course available for enrollment. Follow the registration and enrollment process for the online course you have selected.

If you are an international student who would like to study in the U.S. and require a student visa, you must apply and be officially accepted into UC Berkeley Extension's Evening Certificate Programs before enrolling in any courses associated with this certificate. Apply now.

Additional Information

Your Portfolio

Careers in interior design and interior architecture are premised on building a portfolio. Each course in the certificate facilitates producing work for your portfolio. Therefore, we highly recommend that you retain work from previous classes that can be used for your portfolio.

Professional Organizations

All students are eligible to join student chapters of the following professional organizations:

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